Perspectives

Psalm 39:1-7 … 1) I said, “I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin; I will put a muzzle on my mouth as long as the wicked are in my presence.” 2) But when I was silent and still, not even saying anything good, my anguish increased. 3) M y heart grew hot within me, and as I meditated, the fire burned; then I spoke with my tongue: 4) “Show me, O LORD, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life. 5) You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Each man’s life is but a breath. 6) Man is a mere phantom as he goes to and fro: He bustles about, but only in vain; he heaps up wealth, not knowing who will get it. 7) “But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you. (NIV 1984)

What is the reason or purpose of living? What is it that makes life important? These are the kinds of questions that many people are asking today. It seems there was a time when these questions of existence and meaning were primarily found in the conversations of young people. However, today we have the older folks asking the same questions, especially those who understand that in the blink of an eye, life as we know it can change.

Do you think it is possible that some Christian folks go about their daily activities as though there is no meaning in their life?

Perhaps I need to ask the question … Is my life a living example that others will be drawn to Jesus Christ? Or are they being turned off by my less than Christ-like behaviour? I am well aware that others are watching, especially my none-Christian friends. That may just be the reason why the Psalmist cries out, “Lord, help me to know my end. Help me to understand the length of my life, so that I might have the purpose and meaning all the days of my life.”

Could we agree that it is important that we have the knowledge and wisdom that would enable us to understand the frailty and pride of human life? There are times when we give way and vent our feelings and thoughts concerning our own self-importance. I know I sometimes walk about in my own pride and self-importance until I realize that it is only distasteful vanity, making useless noise which turns people away from the Gospel of Jesus Christ. However, it is during those times that we must seek help from the Holy Spirit so that we can be led back to a quiet confidence in Christ, which will put to flight these worthless thoughts.

As you and I seek directions from our Heavenly Father our human thinking wrestles with the Holy Spirit within our own heart.

There can and probably are moments of guilt. Is it not so, that guilt plays a significant role in bringing us closer to Christ? It should not hinder us; it should not make us terrified of our past. We must always remember and believe that God has completely, fully forgiven us, even for our unknown sins.

We would do well to understand our sinful human nature. We would do well to remember that God has set up an open door for us so that we can bring all our thoughts, cares, concerns and emotions, good or bad before Christ. God is able to hear all our pain, our frustrations with life, our doubts and our disappointments. But, we also cannot profess willful ignorance of God’s grace. I should never shut my mind to what I do not want to hear. People are usually aware that some lifestyles, some lack of control, some friendships or associations could have devastating results; we may simply refuse to look at the facts. To turn a blind eye may be in some cases an asset, but usually it is foolishness.

The Psalmist reminds us that life is extremely short and filled with many short comings. Repentance is necessary and a true reflection on the shortness of life before a Holy God is a very good thing … “Teach me, Lord, to judge my days.”

Would you pray this prayer with me? “Lord Jesus, come into my heart. Forgive my sins. I want my life to change. My thoughts and my attitude need to change. I do not have the peace in my heart that I yearn for. I really want that peace, joy and happiness that fulfills my heart’s desire. Please let the Holy Spirit help me be the kind of Christian that will honour Your Name. Amen.”